(Report by Barere, Ventose 21, year II.)--Ibid., XX., 445.

(Report by Barere, Floreal 22, year II.)--Decrees on public assistance, June 28, 1793, July 25, 1793, Frimaire 2, and Floreal 22, year II.)--this principle, moreover, was set forth in the Constitution of 1793.

"Public help is a sacred obligation; society owes a subsistence to unfortunate citizens, whether by providing work for them, or by ensuring the means of existence to those who are not in a condition to work."-- Archives Nationales, AF.II., 39.

The character of this measure is very clearly expressed in the following circular of the Committee of Public Safety to its representatives on mission in the departments, Ventose, year II.

"A summary act was necessary to put the aristocracy down.